Bill Text: MO HCR74 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges the President of the United States and Congress to lift tariffs on die cast magnesium alloys to prevent die cast companies from going out of business
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-05-06 - Voted Do Pass (H) [HCR74 Detail]
Download: Missouri-2010-HCR74-Introduced.html
SECOND REGULAR SESSION
House Concurrent Resolution No. 74
95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE BRINGER.
Whereas, Spartan Light Metal Products has been an industry leader in magnesium custom die castings for the past four decades, with the company being owned and operated as a family business since 1961 and employing over 600 people; and
Whereas, Spartan Light Metal Products provides die cast products from magnesium alloys that reduce weight and improve performance of products at competitive costs; and
Whereas, magnesium die castings, such as Spartan Light Metal Products, are being greatly harmed by the tariffs 731-TA-1071 and 731-TA-1072 that have been placed on imported magnesium alloys by the United States International Trade Commission. These tariffs allow the nation's lone magnesium producer to set whatever price it chooses for raw magnesium, driving many die cast companies out of business; and
Whereas, the tariffs have created an advantage for foreign competitors who can purchase magnesium at globally-competitive prices and export finished products to United States markets free of penalties. This practice replaces United States manufacturing jobs and could lead to bankruptcy for the industry; and
Whereas, the tariffs have also placed United States automobile manufacturers at a cost and weight disadvantage against foreign carmakers in meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements. As a result, approximately 60% of Spartan Light Metal Products' magnesium business for 2011 is disappearing at a time when the demand for magnesium products is growing:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fifth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the President of the United States and the United States Congress to find a creative solution to protect the nation's lone magnesium producer without destroying the United States magnesium die cast industry; and
Be it further resolved that the Missouri General Assembly further urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to lift tariffs 731-TA-1071 and 731-TA-1072 on die cast magnesium alloys from China and Russia or create a fair market by placing a similar tariff on imported assemblies and products made from die cast magnesium alloys; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for President Barack Obama and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.
